Sports and recreational activities will be allowed during the second and third phases of the reopening of Massachusetts. (PHOTO COURTESY: VisualHunt.com)

By NoontimeSports.com

The thought of sports and recreational activities taking place in Massachusetts seems more realistic these days as our state continues to slowly reopen.

As we learned yesterday, the second phase of the state’s reopening plan, which is currently scheduled for Monday, June 8, would allow amateur, adult, and youth sports leagues to return to the field. But once our state advances to the third phase – as of now, it would begin Monday, June 29 – more options would become available, including the use of fitness centers and health clubs.

To help everyone understand how sports and recreational activities can be reintroduced to everyone over the next few weeks, we have compiled a list of what will be reopening, beginning in phase two.

What to expect in Phase Two (Caution):

Professional sports teams can begin practicing while training programs can resume.

Sports camps can begin – most likely, they will start later this month once the current school year concludes.

Golf facilities, including outdoor driving ranges, can reopen. Additionally, mini-golf would be allowed during the second phase.

Adult, amateur, and youth sports can begin. Adult sports must be played outdoors while youth sports could occur indoors under supervision.

Additional outdoor recreational facilities that can reopen in the second phase include pools, playgrounds, spray decks, go-karts, batting cages, and climbing walls.

What to expect in Phase Three (Vigilant):

Overnight camps – if there are sleepaway athletic camps, they would be permitted during this phase.

Indoor recreational and athletic facilities can reopen, but these are not limited to youth programs, though.

According to the report, beaches, parks, and some athletic fields and courts could open as soon as next Monday, May 25. But when those places do open, the state will ask everyone to abide by the social guidance procedures, which includes covering your face with a mask, washing hands, social distancing, and being vigilant of their respective symptoms.

The second phase for recreation and outdoor activities, which is titled “caution,” would allow campgrounds, playgrounds, spray decks, public and community pools, along with all athletic fields and courts with guidelines. Youth sports could occur during this phase but in a limited fashion.

The third phase – titled “vigilant” – would allow more activities and services to take place, along with youth sporting events and games, as well as tournaments with limited crowd sizes. And the fourth and final phase – the “new normal” – would let all activities take place.

Gyms and fitness facilities can open in the third phase with restrictions and some capacities.